Chapter 20
We spend days in Italy, strolling along the streets and relaxing on the beach.
Stephen lets me spoil him to my hearts content, letting me buy him clothes and expensive meals before returning to our lavish hotel room every night.
We ride on the gondolas and take tours sightseeing, Stephen’s hand never leaving mine as he smiles in the sunlight.
Today, we find ourselves walking along the beach, the damp sand sticking to our feet before the gentle tide moves up to the shore and washes if off.
Stephen wears a white, button-down shirt with his shorts, but the shirt is entirely unbuttoned, revealing the smooth planes of his chest and stomach to the sun as we walk.
I steal glances at him out of the corner of my eye as we walk, squeezing his hand gently.
“I have a crazy idea.” I say as we continue our lazy stroll.
Stephen looks down at me, raising his eyebrows as he does.
“What if we got married here?” I ask, gesturing to the beach. “Just me and you, and whoever’s crazy enough to officiate.”
He looks at me for a moment longer before a small smile cracks across his features.
“I think that sounds perfect.” He says, coming to a stop before turning to face me entirely. “When?”
I look at him, and he looks like a scene straight out of a movie.
His pale complexion has tanned over the last couple of days in the sun, accentuating the toned muscles of his body under his shirt.
His bright blue eyes sparkle wildly as the blue water from the ocean rolls in gently behind him.
The breeze rustles his hair softly, and his soft smile melts me from the inside out.
“As soon as possible.” I answer, reaching out and taking his other hand in mine.
He laughs lowly, nodding in agreement.
“Then we should probably get into the city and figure something out.” He murmurs, pulling me close and pressing a gentle kiss against my lips.
I laugh, leaning back and pulling him as we walk down the beach again.
“I have a plan.” I tell him, and he laughs again.
I reach for my phone, tapping on the screen a few times.
“Why am I not surprised?” He asks as I press send. “Always so well prepared.”
I laugh too, leading us to a nearby café as we wait for the rest of my plan to come together.
We sip coffee together, breathing in the salty sea air as we sit under the umbrella at the outdoor tables.
“I don’t want to tell anyone.” I tell Stephen, stirring the coffee with my spoon. “Nat and Wanda are too excited to plan a whole thing.”
He smirks, taking a sip from his cup.
“What?” I ask, leaning back and crossing my arms.
He shakes his head, chuckling lowly.
“Nothing.” He replies. “It’s just cute how much you care about them.”
I shrug, biting back a smile of my own.
“I just don’t want to rain on their parade is all.” I mumble. “Are you okay with letting them do a whole thing, even if we’re already married?”
He laughs again, quietly as he reaches across the table for my hand.
“Of course.” He answers. “I’ll marry you a hundred times and in a hundred ways if you want.”
My cheeks fill with heat, and I look down at the table as I smile.
“There you are.” Someone says from beside me, and I look up, looking right into Happy’s face.
I grin at him, standing up and giving him a hug.
“You really are the best assistant anyone could ask for.” I tell him with a cheesy grin, patting his back as he hugs me back.
He laughs, leaning away and looking at me.
“I know that.” He answers. “Obviously. I just flew to Italy to marry you two.”
I look at Stephen, and he smiles between us, shaking his head as he laughs softly.
“You made him become an officiant and fly here for us?” He asks, still smiling widely.
I shrug, taking another drink of my coffee.
“I didn’t make him.” I answer smugly. “I strongly encouraged it for a good Christmas bonus.”
Happy laughs, shaking his head.
“And luckily I was in Germany for work, so my flight was quick.” He says, looking between Stephen and me.
I raise my eyebrows, grinning between them.
“See?” I say. “Not a major inconvenience. And he gets a bonus.”
They both laugh again as I take a tip out of my wallet, leaving it on the table as Stephen finishes his drink and stands up.
“Are you ready to do this?” I ask him, reaching a hand out to him.
He nods, taking my hand in his.
Happy smiles, stepping aside to allow us to lead the way back to the beach.
We take off our shoes as we step onto the sand, moving towards the water as the sun starts to set.
We find a spot with no one around, standing with our feet in the gentle pull of the tide as Happy looks at us.
“Take each other’s hands.” He says, looking at us with gentle eyes.
We do, turning to face each other as we look into each other’s eyes now.
“We are gathered here today to join together the two of you in matrimony.” Happy continues. “This ceremony is an outward symbol of your love, and a promise of forever.”
Stephen nods, looking down at me with those piercing blue eyes.
“Do you, Tony Stark, take Stephen Strange to be your lawfully wedded husband?” He asks me. “To have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”
I nod, running my thumb along the back of his hand.
“I do.” I say, looking up into his eyes.
He smiles at me, his eyes glossing over with tears as he does.
“And do you, Stephen Strange, take Tony Stark to be your lawfully wedded husband?” Happy asks Stephen. “To have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”
Stephen nods too, squeezing my hands.
“I do.” He answers, and my own eyes fill with tears.
Happy clears his throat, taking a deep breath in.
“Well, then I am proud to pronounce you as married.” He says. “You may kiss your husband.”
Stephen laughs, pulling me close as he presses a passionate kiss against my lips, dipping me down like he did that night in front of the paparazzi.
My fingers twist into his hair, kissing him back as he straightens me back up.
“I love you.” He whispers, resting his forehead against mine as he looks into my eyes.
I smile back at him, laughing softly.
“I love you too, so much.” I whisper back.
I take a step back, turning to look at Happy.
“Thank you for doing this.” I tell him, reaching a hand out to shake his. “I owe you.”
He shakes his head as he takes my hand, shaking it once before pulling me into a hug.
“Thanks for trusting me to do it, Tony.” He says quietly. “But you still owe me.”
I laugh, nodding as he steps back.
“Dinner?” I ask, looking between the two of them.
Happy and Stephen both nod, and I hold Stephen’s hand as we walk off of the beach.
I look over at him as the last of the sunlight dips below the horizon.
My husband.
The only person I’ve ever loved like this before.
I pull him a little bit closer, and he smiles at me, letting go of my hand to drape his arm around my shoulders, holding me against his body.
“You’re more than enough, Tony Stark.” He whispers, just loud enough for me to hear.
I smile up at him, wrapping my arm around his waist.
“You’re more than enough too.” I whisper back.